Ramesses II is widely regarded as one of the greatest, most influential, and most celebrated pharaohs in the history of ancient Egypt. Known as Ramesses the Great, he was the son of Pharaoh Seti I and Queen Tuya. As the third ruler of the Nineteenth Dynasty, he left an indelible mark on Egypt’s legacy, solidifying his place as one of the most powerful monarchs of the ancient world.
During the New Kingdom period—considered the height of Egypt’s power—Ramesses II stood out as the most renowned and formidable pharaoh. His remarkable rule earned him the title “the Great Ancestor,” a distinction granted by his successors, signifying the deep respect and influence he commanded. His legacy also extended beyond Egypt, as Greek sources referred to him as Ozymandias, a name derived from a transliteration of his throne name, User-maat-re Setep-en-re, meaning “Chosen One of Ra.”
Ramesses II is well-known for his extensive military campaigns, particularly his expeditions into Nubia. Inscriptions at Beit el-Wali and Gerf Hussein serve as evidence of his military conquests in the region. His rule was characterized by significant territorial expansion and strategic warfare, reinforcing Egypt’s dominance over its neighboring lands.
Beyond his military prowess, Ramesses II focused extensively on architectural and urban development. One of his most notable achievements was the establishment of Pi-Ramesses, a grand city in the Nile Delta that became his new capital. This city served as his political and military headquarters, providing a strategic base for his campaigns in Syria. His dedication to construction was unparalleled, as he commissioned numerous temples, monuments, and statues across Egypt, leaving behind a legacy of grandeur that still stands today.
Ramesses II ascended the throne as a teenager, following his appointment as prince regent at the age of fourteen by his father, Seti I. He ruled Egypt from 1279 to 1213 BC, an astonishing reign of 66 years, making him one of the longest-reigning pharaohs in history. The ancient Egyptian priest and historian Manetho recorded that his reign lasted 66 years and two months, and modern Egyptologists largely agree that he began his rule on May 31, 1279 BC.
His longevity as a ruler was matched by his remarkable lifespan. Estimates of his age at death vary slightly, but scholars believe he lived to be 90 or 91 years old. Throughout his reign, he celebrated thirteen or fourteen Sed festivals, a ceremony traditionally held to rejuvenate the pharaoh’s power. These festivals were rare, as they were conducted only after a ruler had been on the throne for 30 years, followed by additional celebrations every three years thereafter. No other pharaoh held as many Sed festivals as Ramesses II, highlighting his extraordinary longevity and influence.
Upon his death, he was buried in a tomb in the Valley of the Kings. However, to protect his remains from tomb raiders, his body was later moved to a secret royal burial site. This hidden cache of mummies was discovered by archaeologists in 1881, shedding new light on the preservation of ancient Egyptian rulers. Today, the mummy of Ramesses II is displayed in the Egyptian Museum in Cairo, allowing modern audiences to witness the physical remains of one of Egypt’s most legendary rulers.
In 1975, a significant event in the study of his mummy took place when French physician Dr. Maurice Bucaille examined it in the Cairo Museum. His findings revealed that the mummy was in a state of severe deterioration, prompting concern among Egyptian authorities. French President Valéry Giscard d’Estaing successfully persuaded Egypt to send the mummy to France for urgent restoration. In September 1976, Ramesses II’s remains arrived at Paris-Le Bourget airport with full military honors, a ceremonial tribute befitting a monarch. The mummy was then transferred to the laboratory at the Musée de l’Homme for extensive forensic analysis and preservation efforts.
Professor Pierre-Fernand Ceccaldi, a chief forensic expert at the Criminal Identification Laboratory in Paris, led the examination. His research provided a fascinating revelation: Ramesses II had been a red-haired individual of the ‘cymnotriche leucoderma’ type, which described a light-skinned person with wavy red hair. This discovery was particularly significant, as it not only provided insight into the pharaoh’s appearance but also carried historical implications.
Further microscopic analysis of the mummy’s hair roots confirmed that Ramesses II’s hair was naturally red. This led researchers to conclude that he likely came from a lineage of red-haired individuals. In ancient Egyptian society, red hair was associated with the god Set, a deity often linked to chaos and power. This connection was especially intriguing given that Ramesses II’s father, Seti I, bore a name that meant “Follower of Set,” further emphasizing the family’s association with this powerful god.
After undergoing necessary treatment, including irradiation to eliminate fungi and insects, Ramesses II’s mummy was returned to Egypt in May 1977. This meticulous restoration effort ensured the long-term preservation of one of Egypt’s most treasured historical artifacts, allowing future generations to study and admire the physical remains of a ruler whose impact on history remains unparalleled.
Ramesses II’s reign stands as a testament to the splendor and might of ancient Egypt. His architectural achievements, military campaigns, and administrative prowess solidified his reputation as one of the most formidable rulers of his time. His influence extended beyond his death, with his image and legacy immortalized in statues, temples, and historical records. Even in modern times, his remains continue to captivate scholars and historians, offering invaluable insights into the world of ancient Egypt.
The reconstruction of Ramesses II’s appearance using artificial intelligence has further enhanced our understanding of the great pharaoh. With advances in forensic science and technology, researchers have been able to recreate his facial features, providing a glimpse into the likeness of a ruler who once commanded one of the most powerful civilizations in history. This digital reconstruction serves as a bridge between the past and the present, allowing people today to connect with a leader whose legacy has endured for over three millennia.
Ramesses II’s name continues to evoke admiration and fascination, as he remains an enduring symbol of power, leadership, and the grandeur of ancient Egypt. His legacy, preserved through monumental structures, historical records, and scientific advancements, ensures that his story will be told for generations to come.
